Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers in the world. Its properties are that it is naturally white and is a very brittle form of plastic. It is dense as compared to most plastics. One benefit of PVC sheets is that they are readily available and relatively cheap. Rigid PVC sheets are very durable, rugged and very strong, making them suitable good for long-term use.
Polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic substance that is mainly designed to resist heat. A great characteristic about thermoplastics is that they can be heated up to their melting points, cooled, and then reheated again without noticing any significant degradation in their composition. Instead of burning or liquefying, they become mouldable and can be easily recycled.
PVC sheets are made from one of the three important processes: emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization, or bulk polymerization.
Why are PVC sheets used on a large scale?
The application of PVC sheets is that they can be put to use in various industries. Both tough and flexible rigid PVC sheets have a high density and are extremely strong. They are also very economical and easily available in the market.
These are long-lasting sheets and make for accessible alternatives for application. It is very light in weight and is available in various forms and colours to give an attractive look. It is resistant to fire, extreme temperatures, and heat which is another reason for its popularity and frequent usage.
The Uses of PVC Sheet
PVC sheets have been used in various health care products for around 50 years now in different sectors of medicine such as surgery, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and drug delivery. This happened due to its composition and characteristics as well as cheap cost.
Some examples are-
- Blood bags
- Endotracheal tubing
- Overshoes
- Blister and dosage packs for pharmaceutical and medicines
- Blood and plasma transfusion sets
- Inflatable splints
- Protective sheeting and tailored covers
- Surgical and examination gloves
- Strong bottles and jars
- Artificial skin used in emergencies treating burns
- Blood vessels for artificial Kidneys
- Covering for walls and floors
- Mattress and bedding covers
- Catheters
- Cannula
- Containers for urine incontinence and ostomy products
- Containers for an intravenous solution giving sets
PVC sheets are durable, flexible and highly versatile and favourable for the environment. They are used in the sports industry for the construction of venues that conduct matches, mainly in the construction of flooring, roofs, and seating. Along with electrical wiring and piping, they are also used in the sports equipment used by athletes on a large basis, such as clothes and shoes as well as surfaces they play on. A few other applications in the sports industry are protective barriers and matting.
PVC sheets were first used as insulation or replacement for rubbers during the Second World War and continue to function in the same way due to their characteristics, properties, flexibility, easy installation, and heat resistance. Cables made from PVC are long-lasting as they do not harden and crack when used for a long time.
Usage of PVC sheets is not limited to its diversity in properties but it is a great example and alternative to working towards opting for a more environment-friendly option and sustainability.
There is a lot of awareness about increasing the use of recyclable materials, and PVC sheets are the perfect option for such an approach. Some believe the alteration of the usage of PVC sheets to something more natural, but this is a misconception, as always using a natural product does not mean they are better or more sustainable.
